Vikings sign Sherels, 2 others

The Vikings signed two former Gophers, cornerback Marcus Sherels and defensive end Cedric McKinley, on Tuesday after they took part in the team's three-day rookie camp on a tryout basis last weekend. The Vikings also announced they had signed offensive guard Adrian Battles from Minnesota State, Mankato.

The Vikings have signed five of the 36 players who received tryouts in the camp. Iowa State wide receiver Marquis Hamilton and Southwest Minnesota State tackle Bill Noethlich signed on Monday.

Sherels, 5-11, 165 pounds, probably has his best chance to make an impression on punt returns. McKinley, 6-6, 282 pounds, played two seasons for the Gophers after spending time at the Mississippi Gulf Coast junior college program. Battles is 6-3, 308 pounds and started 43 of a possible 46 games for the Mavericks.

Sherels becomes the third player on the Vikings roster who attended high school in Minnesota. Kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd went to Eastview High School, linebacker Nate Triplett went to Delano and Sherels attended Rochester John Marshall. All three played for the Gophers.

The Vikings roster is currently at 87 players, which is seven more than they can take to training camp. That does not include defensive end Ray Edwards, who has yet to sign his restricted free-agent tender.